Savvy Shoppers Won’t Pass Up These Arizona Thrift Store Items

I love thrift shopping, but it's not the savings. For me, it's the thrill of the hunt. The real fun is finding something unique that nobody else has, and if it's worth more than it's priced, then it's a real score.

a red and white building sitting on the side of a road

There's something really satisfying about spotting a hidden treasure between the old coffee mugs and dusty picture frames. One woman's junk is another girl's treasure. Most of the moldering items are exactly what they seem, but sometimes you run across something really special.

If you're out thrifting, keep your eyes peeled for these items. They may be worth more than you think.

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Vintage Pyrex Kitchenware

Everyone's mom and grandmother had a vast collection of these dishes. If you're used to thinking of them as mundane items, think again.

That colorful casserole dish sitting on a shelf might be worth much more than the price sticker suggests. Vintage Pyrex has become highly collectible, and Hunker.com says some of the rarer patterns from the 1950s through the 1970s could be worth some money.

A cup of coffee sitting on top of a saucer

Collectors are pining after designs like Gooseberry, Butterprint, and other limited-production pieces. Some of these items have sold for hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Most of them only bring in a modest sum, but before you pass up that old glass bakeware, flip it over and check the bottom for the Pyrex marking and pattern information, says tastingtable.com. You may have gotten your hands on more than you think!

Cast Iron Cookware

People seem to either love cast iron, or they're completely indifferent to this cooking medium. If you love it, you really love it.

black and orange frying pan on black wooden table

You might run across an old cast iron skillet in a thrift store that looks rusty and forgotten. Don't discard it too quickly, because brands like Griswold and Wagner are highly sought after by collectors and home cooks alike. Many vintage pieces were manufactured with craftsmanship that's difficult to find today, says appraisily.com.

Even if a skillet looks rough, it can often be cleaned and restored. That's why experienced thrifters will never walk past cast iron without taking a closer look.

Sterling Silver Items

Don't mistake sterling silver for less valuable silver-plated pieces. They may look similar, but genuine sterling silver flatware, serving trays, candlesticks, and jewelry can be really valuable.

flat lay photography of silver spoons

The weight, condition, and maker can all mean that a tarnished item could actually be worth quite a bit of cash. Look carefully. If you see markings such as "Sterling" or "925," snag it.

More Items to Consider at the Thrift Store

If you're building your thrift store treasure-hunting checklist, these are just a few items worth keeping an eye on.

silver and black Kodak DSLR camera

Keep an eye out for vintage toys, collectible pottery, mid-century lamps, old cameras, and unique glassware. You might be surprised at how much they're worth to collectors. The next time you're browsing the aisles, slow down and take a second look. That overlooked item on the bottom shelf could be your best find of the year.

Here are even more items to add to your thrifting list: